Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Various Intracanal Medicaments on the Push-out Bond Strength of MTA and Endocem MTA: An In vitro study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of various intracanal medicaments, namely Calcium hydroxide and Antibiotic combined Steroid paste on the push-out bond strength of MTA and Endocem MTA. The objective was to compare the push-out bond strength of MTA and Endocem MTA with prior application of two different intracanal medicaments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety human anterior teeth were collected and decoronated to the length of 12 mm. The root canals were mechanically shaped with Protaper files up to size F5, in conjunction with 2 mL of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) between each file size. A parallel post drill (1.25 mm diameter) was used to create parallel canal space of 1.25 mm diameter. The canals were irrigated with 5 mL of 17% ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) for 5 min. Then the specimens were randomly assigned into 3 groups with respect to the use of intracanal medicaments: Group1: Calcium hydroxide with distilled water, Group2: Antibiotic + Steroid paste, Group3: Saline (control). The intracanal medicaments were placed into the root canal with the Lentulo spirals (25 size). The specimens were stored for 2 weeks in 100% humidity, the medicaments were removed and the specimens were divided into 2 subgroups according to the root-end filling applied: Subgroup1: MTA, Subgroup2: Endocem MTA. The materials were mixed and placed with MTA carrier and compacted with a hand plugger, to create an Apical plug of 5mm thickness. Each root was sectioned perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth in the apical third to obtain slices of 1mm thickness. The specimens were tested under the universal testing machine for assessment of push-out bond strength. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The mean and standard deviation of the push-out bond strength were calculated for each group and the data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA and t- tests. RESULTS: Endocem MTA with the calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament group showed higher bond strength followed by MTA with calcium hydroxide, followed by Endocem MTA and MTA with saline (control), which is followed by Endocem MTA with Ledermix intracanal medicament and MTA with the Ledermix group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, the bond strength of MTA and Endocem MTA are improved with the prior application of Calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament compared to the control group